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"For our boasting is this..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:12

BEARING TESTIMONY FOR THE LORD IN EVANGELISM

It was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who charged His disciples to bear witness. His disciples went on to bear testimony for the Lord with great effectiveness. Thousands were impacted and came to faith in Christ. The content of what the Apostles shared may be summarised from Peter’s message at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36).

1. The heart of the Gospel is the Lord Jesus Christ

a) He was sent by God.

b) He was attested by God as His servant through sign-gifts.

c) He was put to death but was raised from the dead by God.

d) Jesus was the Messiah (The Christ).

e) One must have faith in Him.

f) The Holy Spirit is given to all who receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

2. Thousands came to faith as a result of Peter and the other Apostles bearing witness

a) Three thousand believed and were duly baptised.

b) They continued to cultivate their faith.

c) They made the Jerusalem church very strong.

BEARING WITNESS FOR THE LORD IN LIFE

Paul also faithfully bore witness. He highlighted an important principle in bearing witness.

“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience
that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity,
not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly to you.”
2 Corinthians 1:12

1. “For our boasting is this”

a) Boasting has a negative aspect.

i) It may be full of conceit because it may be promoting of self.

ii) This is to be avoided at all cost.

b) “Boasting” in the Biblical context:

i) There is no conceit at all for there is no self-promotion.

ii) It is to be carefully studied, understood well and then practised.

2. Paul’s boast

The word “boast” may also be translated as:

a) Great rejoicing in the Lord.

b) Honest exuberance in living faithfully and fruitfully for the Lord.

c) The consistent lifestyle of the Apostle Paul was one marked by joyous exuberance.